Today saw the official re-opening of Sumners Leisure Centre. Closed by Harlow Council in April, as it could no longer afford to run it, the centre has now been taken on by Great Parndon Community Association, and has already succeeded in attracting a huge range of events and activities for all ages and interests.

Messy Monkeys Workshops, Soccer Tots, Junior Football Coaching, Krazy Kidz Klub and holiday courses, judo, badminton and volleyball are just some of the choices on offer - with trampolining, parenting classes, women's sports mornings, after school clubs, hip hop dance and yoga to look forward to in the new year. The hall is also available for hire for birthday parties and other events. Contact GPCA for more details or a programme.

Local Liberal Democrat deputy leader Cllr Ian Jackson (pictured here with GPCA's Karen Bartlett), and parliamentary spokesman Cllr Lorna Spenceley, attended the opening event. Ian says:

"All credit to GPCA for taking on this venue and making such a success of it. It's great to know that active community organisations in Harlow are able to offer so much to local residents."